Description

Monument Valley is a visual puzzle game inspired by the art of M.C. Escher, Japanese prints and minimalist 3D design. The player leads Princess Ida, the main character, through mazes of optical illusions and impossible objects towards the map's exit. Along the way, the player interacts with the game's architectural landscape by moving and rotating platforms and pillar animals, and creating bridges, all the while trying to avoid crow people (secondary characters) who cannot harm Ida, but block her path. New elements such as buttons, passages and manipulation are gradually introduced with each new level. There are also often small sequences that further the story. By pinching it is possible to zoom in. It is possible to enter a camera mode to compose a take on the artwork, which can be subsequently saved and shared. The game places high value on the visual experience and accompanying soundscape.

Later game updates unlocked a new free chapter Ida's Dream and also made available a new eight-chapter story Forgotten Shores as an in-app purchase.

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References

The game is referenced in chapter 31, the fifth episode of the third season of the 2015 US Netflix series House of Cards. President Underwood, played by Kevin Spacey, is shown playing the game and completing a level. Later on it is also turned into a plot point as he uses a review of the game as inspiration to sell his America Works program, hiring the game reviewer and author to work for him. He also describes it directly as an indie game, distinguishing it from console games and shooters he generally prefers. It is not the only game he plays that season. Two episodes later he is shown playing The Stanley Parable. Those two games are a distinct departure from the shooters he used to play for stress relief in earlier seasons.